Harvesting potatoes is easily one of the most fun garden tasks! Big, bushy green plants on top of the soil hide incredible riches beneath. But the exact thing that makes harvesting so fun—the glorious surprise of your bounty—also makes it a little tricky to know exactly when to dig up those delicious tubers.
We’re going to give you some easy-to-spot signs to know when is the perfect time to grab your potato fork and get to digging.
How Long Can You Leave Potatoes in the Ground?
Potatoes are a popular vegetable to grow at home due to their versatility and long storage life. However, knowing when to harvest potatoes can be tricky for beginners. Here’s a guide on how long you can leave potatoes in the ground and what signs to look for when determining harvest time.
The Ideal Time to Harvest Potatoes
Potatoes can typically stay in the ground for 2-3 months after the foliage dies back without affecting quality. However, leaving them for longer periods can cause the flesh to develop an unusual texture, making the potatoes progressively less edible.
Once the potato plant foliage turns yellow and brown, stops flowering, and begins to wither, the potatoes are mature and ready for harvest. This is referred to as the foliage “dying back”. Dying back indicates the potatoes have reached full size and are beginning to form a tougher skin, which is ideal for storage.
Harvesting too early before die back occurs will result in smaller yields and potatoes that don’t store well.
Risks of Leaving Potatoes In Ground Too Long
If left in the ground indefinitely after die back, potatoes will eventually sprout and attempt to grow new plants. The sprouts use up nutrients stored in the tuber, causing the texture to become spongy and unpleasant.
Overly mature potatoes may also shrink and become misshapen. Microbes and fungi in the soil can invade potatoes through wounds and natural openings, causing rot.
Extreme cold can damage potatoes left in the ground over winter in colder climates. The water in potatoes will expand during freezing, rupturing cell walls.
Signs Your Potatoes Are Past Prime
- Shriveled, wrinkled appearance
- Soft, spongy texture
- Emerging sprouts or new plant growth
- Green skin from sun exposure
- Visible decay or mushy spots
While still edible, old potatoes will not have an appealing consistency for most cooking uses. Use them soon rather than trying to store them.
Maximizing Freshness
To get the longest shelf life, harvest potatoes as soon as foliage starts dying back. Curing them for 7-14 days by storing in a dark, dry location will thicken skins for winter storage.
Check stored potatoes periodically and remove any that are sprouting or show signs of rot. With proper harvest timing and storage methods, homegrown potatoes can last for many months past harvest.
Do potatoes keep growing after the plant dies?
Once the plant dies, the potatoes are finished growing in size. However, the skin on the potato does harden and cure to make it stronger for storage. We recommend leaving the potatoes in the ground for about 2 weeks after the plants have died off.
How many potatoes do you get per plant?
The yield of a potato plant will vary based on the specific cultivar, but in general, you can assume you’ll get 5-6 larger potatoes per plant, plus a handful of smaller-sized baby potatoes.
How long can you leave potatoes in the ground?
FAQ
How long can you leave potatoes in the ground after the tops have died?
For the best storage potential, mature tubers should not be harvested for at least two weeks after the foliage above ground has died.Jul 9, 2020
How long will potatoes last underground?
How long can potatoes stay in the ground? In moderate or cold climates, potatoes can stay in the ground until the soil freezes in late fall or early winter.
How long can you leave potatoes in the ground?
If you live in an area where the winters are mild and the temperatures rarely drop below 25°F (-4°C), you can even leave mature potatoes in the ground for weeks or months after the first light frost. The soil and mulch can protect them until you’re ready to dig them up.
How long do potatoes stay in the ground in winter?
In moderate or cold climates, potatoes can stay in the ground until the soil freezes in late fall or early winter. Some folks have success heavily mulching (with mulch like straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves) the patch to keep the soil from freezing and dig potatoes all winter long.
How long do early potatoes last?
Early potatoes store for about 5 days in a cool, dry and dark position so harvest them when needed. They really do taste best when harvested and then eaten a day or so later. Begin to harvest early potatoes two to three months after planting them in the ground. Generally this is a week or two after the flowers appear.
When should a maincrop potato be left in the ground?
Maincrop potatoes should be left in the ground until their foliage dies back naturally. Timing is crucial. It’s essential to wait until the maincrop potatoes’ foliage starts to wither and turn yellow or brown before harvesting. Additionally, make sure to harvest the carrots at the same time. Please reply if you have any questions.
How long do potatoes stay fresh after harvesting?
Early varieties of potatoes do not store well and they should be eaten soon after harvesting but do allow them a couple of days exposed to the sun. Second early varieties store slightly longer but are also best eaten fresh from the ground after a couple of days. Maincrop potatoes store much better and for longer than early potatoes.
Can you take potatoes out of the ground?
If the potatoes are ready (harvestable size), then you can take them out of the ground. If not, and the potato vine hasn’t died, simply push the dirt back over to cover them and allow them to continue growing. How do you store potatoes and how long do they last?